Name: Dr Geraldine Lee
Title: Orthodontist and Director of The Orthodontic Clinic
Work WORK: Orthodontist and Director of The Orthodontic Clinic
Life's WORK:
Having been a dentist for 5 years and an orthodontist for over 10 years, I'm one of those lucky people that I truly love what I do.
It's not just about creating beautiful smiles for my patients. I care about the positive experience, the journey and the relationships that we share with our patients.
It's about having the opportunity to inspire the younger generation, to share with them the passion I have for my craft. My clinic hosts many interns every year and I used to teach the orthodontic postgraduate residents at NUS.
I also strongly believe in embracing innovation, with the aim of constantly enhancing and improving what we can do for our patients.
How she MAKES IT WORK at:
IN LIFE:
I strongly believe, that you should never let your life overwhelm you.
I have a $4 frame from Kmart hanging in my room in my clinic -
"A day without laughter is a day wasted".
Always stay positive and happy, things will naturally fall into place. And when you're smiling, it's hard for the other person not to smile back and everything works out.
I know I can't do everything on my own, but I'm surrounded by people whom I support and who support me.
Good delegation of what needs to be done - be it at home or at work. That's how I make it work.
WORK:
I am blessed with an amazing team and business partner. Teamwork, mutual respect and support is everything in a busy practice; good delegation of work is essential.
As with my strong belief in constant innovation, a good list-making or project management app allows me to clearly visualize the tasks I have to complete on a regular basis.
I'm a strong advocate of the app Trello, it keeps me connected to all my staff and other doctors I work closely with.
It keeps track of everything!
AFTER WORK:
Being fit helps me to keep up with my boys, as well as feel better and more energetic at work.
I try to hit the gym after the kids go to sleep, at least 1-2 times a week.
I do enjoy a good show on Netflix to unwind at the end of the day as well.... simple pleasures.
HOME:
I work 6 days a week so I try my best to make sure the time I spend with my family is quality time.
We have dinner together as a family at least 5 - 6 times a week, no phones or TV allowed of course. Every Sunday I will always plan fun activities for the boys, such as Universal Studios, pond-fishing, or Forest Adventure.
Our family philosophy is simple - work hard, play hard.
I plan the most fun and awesome family holidays, from paragliding in Queenstown NZ to visiting Santa Claus in Finland! We travel almost every school break as that is when we get to spend quality time together as a family.
In return, I don't expect full marks for their tests or exams, but I do expect them to try their best.
FOR HERSELF:
I am a workaholic, so everyone is always asking me to do more for myself, spoil myself more. Honestly, being with my boys and being with my family is when I'm the happiest.
We have so much fun together.
But yes, I have wonderful girlfriends and at least 2-3 times a month, I will head out for a lovely dinner or drinks with them.